WinnMed is pleased to welcome Cole Puffer, M.D., to its medical team. Joining the practice the end of April, Dr. Puffer provides family medicine care for patients of all ages in the clinical setting and serves as a hospitalist, caring for inpatients during their hospital stay.
Originally from southeast Minnesota, Dr. Puffer spent his undergraduate years in Decorah where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from Luther College. He went on to medical school at the University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth Campus prior to moving to the west coast for a family medicine residency through Cascades East Family Medicine Residency, Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) in Klamath Falls, Oregon. Since completion, he has provided clinical and inpatient medical care through Sky Lakes Medical Center, alongside his teaching responsibilities for OHSU. Dr. Puffer is certified with the American Board of Family Medicine.
Dr. Puffer returns to Decorah with his wife, Devon – originally from Decorah and a fellow Luther College alum – and their young daughter. His medical interests include health policy and health systems work, community health and wellness, pediatric care, education, and preventive medicine.
“I provide person-centered care for people of all ages, including newborn and pediatric care, preventive care, and geriatric care,” says Dr. Puffer. “I take a collaborative approach and value each patient’s perspective. I’m glad to be returning to the Driftless area after completing my training out west. Outside of work, I enjoy woodworking, literature, and spending time outdoors with my wife, daughter, and our border collie.”
Family medicine, also known as primary care, is a medical specialty dedicated to providing comprehensive and continuous care for individuals and families of all ages, genders, and health conditions. Family medicine providers serve as the first point of contact for patients, playing a vital role in preventive care, chronic disease management, and overall wellness. By building long-term relationships, they ensure personalized care and coordinate with specialists when needed. At WinnMed, physicians and advanced practice providers deliver primary care services in Decorah, as well as in outreach locations including Ossian, Mabel and campus clinics at Luther College and Upper Iowa University, serving the college population.
To make an appointment with Dr. Puffer call 563-382-2911 or request an appointment through MyChart.
